New York – February 27, 2013 – AMC announced today that the cast and crew of “The Walking Dead” return to Atlanta, Georgia on Monday, May 6th to begin production on season four. AMC also confirms Scott M. Gimple as showrunner and executive producer for the series’ fourth season to premiere in October with 16 episodes. Gimple has been on the show’s writing staff since season two. Co-Executive Producer, Emmy® Award-winning Special Effects Makeup Supervisor and Director Greg Nicotero and Producer Tom Luse have also been elevated to executive producers. “The Walking Dead” is based on the comic book series created and written by Robert Kirkman and published by Skybound, Kirkman's imprint at Image Comics. Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert continue to serve as executive producers for season four.

“Scott has been an essential part of this show since he came aboard at the very beginning of season two. He's contributed to guiding this show in a substantial way that has resulted in a lot of the key scenes and storylines fans have dubbed signature moments of ‘The Walking Dead,’” said Kirkman. “I am thrilled to begin work on a brand new season of ‘The Walking Dead’ with Scott at the helm, and I truly believe we could be embarking on what will be the best season of this show yet.”

"Scott's voice has been an integral one since he joined the show. Greg Nicotero is a true artist whose work is simply brilliant. And, Tom Luse has really created the machine that allows this very large show to get made week to week. We congratulate all three in their new roles on the series and look forward to ramping up production on season four," said Joel Stillerman, AMC’s EVP of original programming, production and digital content.

“I'm thrilled to continue the tradition of the spectacular, cinematic, horrifying, exciting and emotional storytelling of ‘The Walking Dead,’” said Gimple. “I'm a huge fan of the comics, and started with the show on the other side of the set, as an avid viewer. Over the past two years, it's been an incredible privilege making such great television with the best cast and crew I've ever worked with – I can't wait to make some more.”

Gimple has written some of the most celebrated and talked-about episodes from seasons two and three including episode 306 (Hounded) and last season’s climatic mid-season finale episode 207 (Pretty Much Dead Already), which revealed Sophia in the barn. Gimple previously worked on NBC’s acclaimed series “Life” and ABC’s cult favorite “Flashforward.” “Flashfoward” began as a collaboration with David S. Goyer (The Dark Knight, Man of Steel) with whom he co-wrote both the Sony feature film Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance and episodes two and three in the upcoming inaugural season of Starz’ “DaVinci’s Demons.” Gimple also worked for Matt Groening’s Bongo Comics, where he wrote and edited “Simpsons Comics.” He has also written stories for the comic books “What If?” and “Spider-Man Unlimited.”

Nicotero (Kill Bill, Transformers, Inglorious Basterds) and his team received the Emmy® Award for Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup two years in a row (2011/2012) for their work on “The Walking Dead.” In addition to leading the visual and special effects and makeup for the series, Nicotero has directed several episodes. Luse (Remember the Titans, “One Tree Hill,” Jeepers Creepers, “The Joneses,” “Everwood”) has been with the show since the beginning of production and was instrumental in setting up the production of AMC’s first owned scripted series. Based in Atlanta, he manages and oversees the day-to-day production of the series.

About AMC

AMC reigns as the only cable network in history to ever win the Emmy® Award for Outstanding Drama Series four years in a row. Whether commemorating favorite films from every genre and decade or creating acclaimed original programming, the AMC experience is an uncompromising celebration of great stories. AMC's original dramas include “Mad Men,” “Breaking Bad,” “The Walking Dead” “The Killing” and “Hell On Wheels.” AMC further demonstrates its commitment to the art of storytelling with its slate of unscripted original series, as well as curated movie franchises like AMC’s Can’t Get Enough and AMC’s Crazy About. AMC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc. and its sister networks include IFC, Sundance Channel and WE tv. AMC is available across all platforms, including on-air, online, on demand and mobile. AMC: Story Matters HereSM.

I really hope the make Melissa McBride a regular next season, if she survives. Her character along with Carl are the most improved this season. I really would like to see more Carol.

The End

16 Episodes again? Not complaining but it seems odd that the prior showrunner/producer left. I thought he left because he was unhappy that the show may of been given say 20 episodes or something.

Anyway, AMC really should slap a show behind Walking Dead in the schedule.

Martin

I thought the reason they held out so long announcing episode count was to make it 20+ episodes this season. Wonder if that was the plan and what happened to it if it was.

CJ

Very good. 16 episodes is a good number too. Not too many, not too few as I’ve found with this season…

John A

I was hoping for 22 Episodes.

Psac

Hopefully this guy keeps new characters around. Interesting article in EW about a disagreement around killing off Axel, the inmate with the large mustache. Even the actor who plays Rick argued to the existing showrunner that they are killing off new characters too quickly.

DW

awwww. i was looking forward to a 52 episode season. they could do an ep. were Carl finds a bad can of meat and it disagrees with him and all the time we , the audience thought that something interesting was going to happen but we are happy after all because it showed is a side of Carl we haven’t seen.

jimbo

People are starting to over act. Toooooo much melodrama by certain actors, and i’m almost wishing that Rick would get bit!!!!

HandSanitizer

@whatever
“I really hope the make Melissa McBride a regular next season, if she survives. Her character along with Carl are the most improved this season. I really would like to see more Carol”

i’m totally with you. she’s one of the most interesting female character.
thank god Lori died in this season because i hate her. next character should die is Andrea.

Whatever

Yes, I agree and most people do as well if they have to get rid of a main character, it should be Andrea. Her character on the TV show is a complete disappointment vs. the comics. Carol should take her place as a regular. Carol, Maggie and Michonne are the only good female characters on the show right now. Glad Lori is gone too.

Bern

Wish there were positions for extras. Would love to be in that show. Don’t mind helping around the set or maybe even get the zombie look. Great TV show!

The End

@Bern

Then why not apply for an extra role? Assuming they need some Zombies, you don’t know until you find out.

Ekras

BOOOOOOO! I wanted 22 episodes

Cody

I wanted more episodes too but that would probably screw with the pacing of the show.

I like Laurie Holden….hopefully Andrea can redeem herself and doesn’t die.

Hillbilly

I would get bit by a zombie for a date with Andrea.

Yomama

I don’t think Lori should’ve died but I hope Andrea does. I’m so glad their going to film in Atlanta because I’m going to be there!!!